Solar energy farm in Dhule hits eco-clearance hurdle

The world's biggest single-site solar energy farm, to be built in Shivajinagar, Dhule district, failed to meet its March 15 deadline because the state forest department has claimed ownership of the project site.

The world's biggest single-site solar energy farm, to be built in Shivajinagar, Dhule district, failed to meet its March 15 deadline because the state forest department has claimed ownership of the project site.

Deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar, who also heads the energy department, made this revelation in the legislative assembly in reply to a written question by Congress legislator Amin Patel and others.

State generation company Mahagenco is the promoter of the plant.

In his written response, Pawar said work on the state-sponsored project has stopped as the Union environment ministry has not given clearance for the transfer of land. "We will start work within six months after getting permissions and clearances," he said.

Of the total 125MW power generated, 25MW is to be given to the island city and the remaining to state distribution company Mahavitaran and BEST.

In a reply to a separate question, Pawar said gas unavailability was hampering power generation at the Ratnagiri Gas and Power Company Ltd. The entire generation from this plant goes to Mahavitaran, which is already grappling with power shortage.

The 1967MW-capacity plant is now producing only 1100MW of power. It needs 8.5 million metric standard cubic metre per day (MMSCMD) of gas to run full capacity but gets 6 MMSCMD.